The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a strong demand for improved decorum and respect among Nigeria's public officials, while simultaneously condemning what it describes as an unacceptable attack on the country's Armed Forces.
CISLAC's Stern Warning on Public Conduct
In a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, the organization emphasized that government functionaries must maintain civil behavior that reflects positively on Nigeria's governance culture.
Public officials are expected to be civil, disciplined, and guided by the principles of public service and respect for the rule of law, the statement declared. Rafsanjani further stressed that public officials must understand the code of conduct guiding public office and serve as role models rather than symbols of impunity.
The Wike-Military Altercation: A Case of Gross Indiscipline
CISLAC expressed particular concern about the recent public altercation involving Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, and a military officer. The organization characterized this incident as representing gross indiscipline and recklessness unbecoming of a public officer.
The statement highlighted that governance demands humility, restraint, and respect for institutional boundaries, qualities it suggested were lacking in the FCT Minister's conduct. The character and conduct exhibited by the FCT Minister, from his time as a governor to his current role, show a pattern of recklessness and poor emotional control, CISLAC observed.
This incident comes shortly after a network of over 52 Nigerian civil society organizations called for an immediate investigation into the FCT Minister regarding allegations of asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and potential violations of Nigeria's asset declaration laws.
National Security and International Image at Stake
CISLAC described Wike's verbal assault on the military officer as reckless, disrespectful, and dangerous to national security, especially given Nigeria's current multiple security challenges and increasing international scrutiny.
The Nigerian Armed Forces remain one of the nation's most respected institutions, both at home and abroad, the statement emphasized. To ridicule such a vital national body when the country faces immense internal and external pressure is irresponsible and unacceptable.
In contrast to the Minister's behavior, CISLAC commended the military officer involved for maintaining discipline and professionalism despite provocation, noting that his composure reflected the integrity and command ethics that define Nigeria's military.
Call for Presidential Action and Ministerial Apology
Rafsanjani directly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take firm action, stating that people who lack humility, self-control, and respect for institutional order should not be entrusted with public office.
This is the first time in recent years that a minister has engaged in such open disrespect towards the Armed Forces, and it should not be tolerated, he warned.
The organization called on the FCT Minister to publicly apologize to the officer involved, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and President Tinubu, reiterating that national security must always come first. CISLAC concluded that Nigeria needs leadership that strengthens, rather than weakens, public trust in institutions, emphasizing that the integrity of the Armed Forces and Nigeria's international image demand nothing less.
